Work to install a succession of 50ft lighting pillars along Newcastle city centre’s main shopping street is now set to start in 2023.
Council bosses have confirmed that a major revamp of Northumberland Street has been put on hold until the new year. It emerged earlier this year that a series of huge masts, inspired by the wooden poles that guide people across the causeway to Holy Island, could be installed along the length of the busy street.
Newcastle City Council’s proposals to make Northumberland Street a “simple, elegant and welcoming environment” also include the installation of more trees, plants, and seating.
The local authority says it is now seeking to “extend the scope” of the transformation, in a bid to use up government funding secured for other city centre works that have since been cancelled. Civic centre bosses have warned that they run the risk of losing cash provided by the government for projects that can no longer be delivered, such as the Levelling Up funding awarded for the pedestrianisation of Blackett Street.
A council spokesperson said: “As part of our commitment to deliver the long-term vision to transform the heart of Newcastle into a cleaner, greener, more welcoming place, we are continuing with our plans to redevelop Northumberland Street into a more attractive and pleasant place. As a result of the recent review of the plans for the city centre, we are now looking at an opportunity to extend the scope of this work to incorporate the whole of Northumberland Street, and a proposal to start the work next year. We will update businesses and traders on the street as soon as we can.
“Future plans will reflect the original proposal, with new lighting masts and paving, inspired by the medieval Pilgrims’ journey to Lindisfarne. There will also be new street furniture and more trees and planting, helping us create a greener, bee-friendly city centre and allowing for a sustainable drainage system that will improve the climate resilience of the city”.
When the plans to reinvigorate Northumberland Street were announced in 2021, the council had suggested that the busy route’s street traders could be asked to move their long-standing pitches as a result – though it is not yet known how they would be affected by works starting next year. The council has already begun a redesign of both Saville Row and Ridley Place, two of the side streets that lead onto Northumberland Street, which are set to become areas for pop-up food stalls and markets showcasing local art and other products.
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